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Best Libraries In Detroit

If you find yourself searching for knowledge in the city of Detroit, you will not have to look very far. The city is home to several libraries that are open to the public. Certain libraries even cater to a specific need, such as art history, medicine or children’s literature. -S. L. Stoddart

(credit: detroit.lib.mi.us)

Detroit Public Library

The Detroit Public Library is the largest library system in the state of Michigan, with over 20 neighborhood branches. Its main branch, located off Woodward, has 10 subject departments and a number of special collections. A special feature of the library is The Information Place (TIP). TIP is a free information and referral service that helps people find answers to the problems of everyday living. Librarians connect individuals with agencies and local nonprofit organizations that offer services such as emergency food, health care, support groups and parenting education.

(credit: dia.org)

Detroit Institute of Arts Research Library

Among its vast collection of galleries, sculptures and exhibits, the Detroit Institute of Arts is also home to an extensive art research library. The library contains more than 185,000 volumes and over 200 periodical subscriptions. Resources include items such as DIA publications, auction catalogues, catalogues raisonnés, national/international museum publications and a variety of foreign publications.

Wayne State University Library System

Wayne State University Libraries rank among the top 60 libraries in the Association for Research Libraries. The WSU library system consists of five major libraries and an ALA-accredited School of Library and Information Science. Even though libraries are located on a college campus, they are all open to the public. Resources include article databases, digital collections and commons, e-books, e-journals, print reserves and multi-level computer labs. The libraries are also home to 15 special collections that contain items such as rare books and periodicals, microcard, microfiche, journals, monographs, videos and a 60,000 item juvenile collection.

Sladen Library & Center for Health Information Resources

The Sladen Library is located on the 17th floor at Henry Ford Hospital and is home to more than 7,000 books and 2,500 journal subscriptions covering all aspects of medicine and health care. The library is open to hospital staff, medical professionals, students, patients and visitors. Resources include respected medical journals, books, videos, online databases, medical directories and more. Use of some online resources is limited to Henry Ford medical staff and employees.